Birds began to appear in my work at the start of the Pandemic. The beginning of the bird fashionistas – little characters that emulate the personalities of the people around me: They are fun to make and are a constant reminder of what is important in my life.

When someone asks me “What happened to you during the pandemic?” I think “Well, a lot,” but the constant reminder of life came from looking through the living room window, watching a cascade of different types of birds vying for their spot at the bird feeder. Over and over and over! So many hours spent on the sofa just watching them and being thankful for being alive.

While sitting on that sofa I did draw a LOT in my journal book. I wrote about the places I’ve been to, the people I’ve been with, meanings of the icons and images I was incorporating in my work.  When we all began to venture out of our houses, I was more mindful of the journaling process and drawing the “memories” of place.  The images in the journal book are the genesis of Bird Chatter: The Rise of the Fashionistas.